US10611396B2 - Motion control assembly for adjustable steering column - Google Patents
Motion control assembly for adjustable steering column Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US10611396B2 US10611396B2 US15/495,131 US201715495131A US10611396B2 US 10611396 B2 US10611396 B2 US 10611396B2 US 201715495131 A US201715495131 A US 201715495131A US 10611396 B2 US10611396 B2 US 10611396B2
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- leg
- lower jacket
- jacket
- rake bracket
- rake
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D1/00—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle
- B62D1/02—Steering controls, i.e. means for initiating a change of direction of the vehicle vehicle-mounted
- B62D1/16—Steering columns
- B62D1/18—Steering columns yieldable or adjustable, e.g. tiltable
- B62D1/184—Mechanisms for locking columns at selected positions
Definitions
- the following description relates to an adjustable steering column and, more particularly, a motion control assembly for such steering columns.
- Adjustable steering columns may be adjustable in a rake direction and a telescope direction.
- a traditional adjustable steering column includes a clamp mechanism that is actuatable between a clamped position where adjustment of the steering column is prevented and an unclamped position where adjustment of the steering column is allowed.
- the clamp mechanism is actuated between clamped and unclamped positions by rotation of a lever.
- a bolt and lever In traditional adjustable steering columns, a bolt and lever extend along an axis that is spaced from the steering shaft so that the bolt may extend completely across a rake bracket without interfering with shaft components.
- a configuration may use additional space in and around the steering column assembly and possibly interfere with passenger movement in a vehicle cabin. Packaging requirements restrict the location of a rake and telescope locking devices.
- some adjustable steering columns have a mechanism, such as a clamp mechanism, on or near a center of the steering column with an actuating lever similarly positioned.
- a mechanism such as a clamp mechanism
- One solution is to clamp only on one rake bracket leg, typically the leg adjacent to the actuating lever.
- the rigidity and natural frequency of the steering column is not high enough when only one side is clamped in some assemblies.
- an adjustable steering column includes a rake bracket having a bridge, a first leg extending from the bridge, and a second leg extending from the bridge. Also included is a lower jacket extending within the rake bracket, the lower jacket having an axial opening extending along a longitudinal direction of the lower jacket, the axial opening extending along a first axis. Further included is an upper jacket extending along the first axis and telescopically received in the axial opening of the lower jacket. Yet further included is a rake bolt extending through the first leg of the rake bracket and along a second axis, the second axis intersecting the upper jacket, at least a portion of the rake bolt received within the lower jacket.
- a clamping mechanism positioned on the first leg of the rake bracket to apply a clamping force to the upper jacket in a clamped condition to secure the upper jacket against telescoping movement relative to the lower jacket.
- a motion control assembly extending through the second leg of the rake bracket and operatively coupled to the lower jacket to control relative movement between the rake bracket and the lower jacket in the clamped condition.
- an adjustable steering column includes a rake bracket having a first leg and a second leg. Also included is a lower jacket extending within the rake bracket. Further included is an upper jacket extending along the first axis and telescopically received in the lower jacket. Yet further included is a rake bolt extending through the first leg of the rake bracket, at least a portion of the rake bolt received within the lower jacket. Also included is a clamping mechanism positioned on the first leg of the rake bracket to dispose the upper jacket in a clamped condition to secure the upper jacket against telescoping movement relative to the lower jacket. Further included is a motion control assembly comprising a mechanical fastener extending through the second leg of the rake bracket and at least partially through the lower jacket to control relative movement between the rake bracket and the lower jacket in the clamped condition.
- a motion control assembly for a steering column assembly includes a rake bracket having a first leg and a second leg. Also included is a clamping mechanism intersecting the upper jacket and positioned on the first leg of the rake bracket, the on-center, single-sided clamping mechanism moveable between a clamped condition and an unclamped condition, the clamped condition securing a lower jacket against telescoping movement relative to an upper jacket. Further included is a mechanical fastener extending through the second leg of the rake bracket and at least partially through the lower jacket and operatively coupled to the lower jacket.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable steering column
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the adjustable steering column
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a motion control assembly of the adjustable steering column according to an aspect of the disclosure
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the motion control assembly of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the motion control assembly according to another aspect of the disclosure.
- a motion control mechanism is provided for an adjustable steering column having an on-center, single-sided clamp mechanism.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable steering column 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- the adjustable steering column 20 includes a rake bracket 22 having a first leg 24 extending therefrom.
- the rake bracket 22 attaches a lower jacket 26 to the vehicle in an elevated position.
- a second leg 25 of the rake bracket 22 is illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 .
- the adjustable steering column 20 further also includes the lower jacket 26 and an upper jacket 28 .
- the lower jacket 26 includes an axial opening 30 extending along its length on a first axis ‘A’.
- the lower jacket 26 may be formed as an extrusion, but is not limited thereto.
- the upper jacket 28 extends along the first axis ‘A’ and is telescopically received in the axial opening 30 of the lower jacket 26 .
- a steering shaft 32 extends from the upper jacket 28 and is configured to have a steering wheel (not shown) attached thereto.
- the upper jacket 28 is selectively movable in the lower jacket 26 to adjust the steering column 20 in a telescope direction, with a steering bearing 33 disposed between the steering shaft 32 and the upper jacket 28 .
- the adjustable steering column 20 in an unlocked, or unclamped, condition, the upper jacket 28 may be adjusted telescopically within the lower jacket 26 .
- the adjustable steering column 20 in a locked, or clamped, condition, adjustment or movement of the upper jacket 28 within the lower jacket 26 is restricted.
- the adjustable steering column 20 further includes an operating lever 34 .
- the operating lever 34 is positioned on a rake bolt 36 and is configured to rotate about a second axis ‘B’. Rotation of the operating lever 34 actuates the adjustable steering column 20 between the locked condition and unlocked condition as further described below.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a cross section of the adjustable steering column 20 in the direction of the first axis ‘A’.
- the rake bolt 36 extends along the second axis ‘B’ through the first leg 24 of the rake bracket 22 from a first side 38 to a second side 40 of the first leg 24 .
- a portion of the rake bolt 36 is received in the lower jacket 26 at the second side 40 of the first leg 24 .
- the operating lever 34 is positioned on the rake bolt 36 at the first side 38 of the first leg 24 .
- the adjustable steering column 20 further includes a clamping mechanism 46 positioned on the rake bolt 36 .
- the clamping mechanism 46 is configured to apply a pulling force with the rake bolt 36 against the lower jacket 26 , which exerts a force on the upper jacket 28 , which exerts a force on a clamp jaw, which exerts a force on the rake bracket leg, thereby securing the upper jacket against movement relative to the lower jacket 26 .
- the adjustable steering column 20 includes the on-center, single-sided clamping mechanism 46 .
- a motion control assembly 50 is illustrated according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
- the clamping mechanism 46 is disposed on a single side of the steering column 20 .
- the motion control assembly 50 is employed to eliminate relative motion between the rake bracket 22 and the lower jacket 26 that may occur as a result of single sided clamping, as will be appreciated from the description herein.
- the motion control assembly 50 includes an adjustable contact surface 52 that extends through an opening 54 defined by the second leg 25 of the rake bracket 22 and through a hole 56 defined by the lower jacket 26 .
- the adjustable contact surface 52 is a mechanical fastener.
- the opening 54 is an open slot that extends from an end 57 of the second leg 25 , but it is to be appreciated that any opening may be suitable, such as an aperture of any other geometry (e.g., circular).
- the mechanical fastener 52 is a threaded fastener having a first end 58 and a second end 60 .
- the first end 58 protrudes through the hole 56 of the lower jacket 26 and is operatively coupled to the lower jacket 26 upon engagement of a nut 62 proximate the first end 58 .
- the nut 62 is disposed in abutment with an inner surface 64 of the lower jacket 26 to prevent the mechanical fastener 52 from being withdrawn from the hole 56 of the lower jacket 26 .
- the nut 62 may be any type of fastener suitable for engagement with a curved surface, as the inner surface 64 of the lower jacket 26 has a degree of curvature. For example, a weld nut, a T-nut or a J-nut may be employed.
- the preceding list of fasteners is merely illustrative and not limiting of the types of components that may be employed to secure the mechanical fastener 52 to the lower jacket 26 .
- the second leg 25 of the rake bracket 22 includes an inner side 70 and an outer side 72 .
- the inner side 70 is located closer in proximity to the lower jacket 26 , when compared to a distance between the outer side 72 and the lower jacket 26 .
- the inner side 70 is spaced from an outer surface 74 of the lower jacket 26 to define a clearance area 71 therebetween. This avoids undesirable friction between the lower jacket 26 and the rake bracket 22 during operation of the steering column 20 .
- the mechanical fastener 52 is a bolt with a flanged head portion 76 .
- the flanged head portion 76 has at least one dimension greater than a width of the opening 54 of the second leg 25 , thereby ensuring that the flanged head portion 76 engages the outer side 72 of the second leg 25 .
- the mechanical fastener 52 is a stud and that a nut serves as the flanged head portion and is coupled to the second end 60 of the mechanical fastener 52 .
- the clearance area 71 between the second leg 25 and the lower jacket 26 may be adjusted.
- the stiffness of the connection between the lower jacket 26 and the rake bracket 22 may be controlled. This is particularly beneficial for the steering column 20 , since the clamping mechanism 46 is a single-sided, on-center mechanism.
- the locked condition i.e., clamped condition
- the unlocked condition i.e., unclamped condition
- lateral movement of the lower jacket 26 occurs.
- the lower jacket 26 moves laterally away from the second leg 25 of the rake bracket 22 , thereby increasing the tension that the mechanical fastener 52 is under to increase the stiffness of the overall assembly.
- the mechanical fastener 52 is coupled directly to the lower jacket 26 . Coupling is facilitated by threading the first end 58 of the mechanical fastener 52 to a corresponding thread pattern disposed on an inner wall that defines the hole 56 of the lower jacket 26 .
- the motion control assembly 100 includes a protrusion 102 that extends from an outer surface 104 of the lower jacket 26 .
- the protrusion 102 may be operatively coupled to the lower jacket 26 or integrally formed therewith.
- the protrusion 102 is a hollow member, such as a tube, having an interior passage 106 therein.
- the protrusion extends through an opening 107 of the second leg 25 of the rake bracket 22 .
- a mechanical fastener 108 is fixed to the protrusion 102 and has a portion disposed within the interior passage 106 .
- the mechanical fastener 108 may be fixed to the protrusion 102 in any suitable manner, including press fitting, application of an adhesive, or mechanically fastening, for example.
- the mechanical fastener 108 is a threaded stud having a threaded portion 110 that extends out of the protrusion 102 in a direction away from axis ‘A’.
- the threaded portion 110 is engaged with an adjustment nut 112 that may be adjusted to control the clearance area 71 between the rake bracket 22 and the lower jacket 26 , thereby controlling the stiffness due to the overall system rigidity.
- one or more components may be disposed between the second leg 25 of the rake bracket 22 and the adjustment nut 112 .
- a spacer 114 and/or a washer 116 may be included to provide additional spacing and structural integrity to the motion control assembly 100 .
- the adjustment nut 112 may be in direct abutment with the second leg 25 of the rake bracket 22 or may simply be buffered with the washer 116 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Steering Controls (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims (8)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/495,131 US10611396B2 (en) | 2017-04-24 | 2017-04-24 | Motion control assembly for adjustable steering column |
US16/791,180 US11603124B2 (en) | 2017-04-24 | 2020-02-14 | Motion control assembly for adjustable steering column |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/495,131 US10611396B2 (en) | 2017-04-24 | 2017-04-24 | Motion control assembly for adjustable steering column |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/791,180 Division US11603124B2 (en) | 2017-04-24 | 2020-02-14 | Motion control assembly for adjustable steering column |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20180304914A1 US20180304914A1 (en) | 2018-10-25 |
US10611396B2 true US10611396B2 (en) | 2020-04-07 |
Family
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Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/495,131 Active 2037-12-24 US10611396B2 (en) | 2017-04-24 | 2017-04-24 | Motion control assembly for adjustable steering column |
US16/791,180 Active 2038-03-19 US11603124B2 (en) | 2017-04-24 | 2020-02-14 | Motion control assembly for adjustable steering column |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US16/791,180 Active 2038-03-19 US11603124B2 (en) | 2017-04-24 | 2020-02-14 | Motion control assembly for adjustable steering column |
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Country | Link |
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US (2) | US10611396B2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP7104881B2 (en) * | 2018-05-08 | 2022-07-22 | 株式会社ジェイテクト | steering device |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5605351A (en) * | 1995-02-27 | 1997-02-25 | Nsk Ltd. | Tilt type steering apparatus |
US5730465A (en) * | 1995-09-11 | 1998-03-24 | Nastech Europe Limited | Adjustable vehicle steering column clamping mechanism |
US20060207380A1 (en) * | 2003-06-05 | 2006-09-21 | Kiyoharu Higashino | Steering apparatus |
US7413222B2 (en) * | 2003-09-01 | 2008-08-19 | Nsk Ltd. | Position adjustment type steering column device for vehicles |
US7445241B2 (en) * | 2002-06-19 | 2008-11-04 | Nsk Ltd. | Vehicle impact absorption type steering column device |
US7874228B2 (en) * | 2008-02-14 | 2011-01-25 | Nexteer (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd. | Non-translating telescopic rake pivot for steering column assembly |
US8863609B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2014-10-21 | Steering Solutions Ip Holding Corporation | On-center single-sided clamp mechanism in steering column |
US8899128B2 (en) * | 2011-03-28 | 2014-12-02 | Yamada Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Steering device |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS60144569U (en) * | 1984-03-07 | 1985-09-25 | 日本精工株式会社 | tilt steering device |
US4938093A (en) * | 1989-03-10 | 1990-07-03 | Nippon Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha | Tilt steering column unit for vehicles with memory mechanism |
JP4683456B2 (en) * | 2003-07-16 | 2011-05-18 | 日本精工株式会社 | Steering device |
US9527521B2 (en) * | 2012-01-26 | 2016-12-27 | Steering Solutions Ip Holding Corporation | Adjustable steering column assembly |
GB201616480D0 (en) * | 2016-09-28 | 2016-11-09 | Trw Limited | A steering column assembly |
-
2017
- 2017-04-24 US US15/495,131 patent/US10611396B2/en active Active
-
2020
- 2020-02-14 US US16/791,180 patent/US11603124B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5605351A (en) * | 1995-02-27 | 1997-02-25 | Nsk Ltd. | Tilt type steering apparatus |
US5730465A (en) * | 1995-09-11 | 1998-03-24 | Nastech Europe Limited | Adjustable vehicle steering column clamping mechanism |
US7445241B2 (en) * | 2002-06-19 | 2008-11-04 | Nsk Ltd. | Vehicle impact absorption type steering column device |
US20060207380A1 (en) * | 2003-06-05 | 2006-09-21 | Kiyoharu Higashino | Steering apparatus |
US7413222B2 (en) * | 2003-09-01 | 2008-08-19 | Nsk Ltd. | Position adjustment type steering column device for vehicles |
US7874228B2 (en) * | 2008-02-14 | 2011-01-25 | Nexteer (Beijing) Technology Co., Ltd. | Non-translating telescopic rake pivot for steering column assembly |
US8899128B2 (en) * | 2011-03-28 | 2014-12-02 | Yamada Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Steering device |
US8863609B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2014-10-21 | Steering Solutions Ip Holding Corporation | On-center single-sided clamp mechanism in steering column |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20200180675A1 (en) | 2020-06-11 |
US11603124B2 (en) | 2023-03-14 |
US20180304914A1 (en) | 2018-10-25 |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BODTKER, JOEN C.;REEL/FRAME:042128/0568 Effective date: 20170421 Owner name: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION, MICHIGA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BODTKER, JOEN C.;REEL/FRAME:042128/0568 Effective date: 20170421 |
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